Blake Griffin Okays Clippers Five-Year Extension, Sources Say

Blake Griffin will spend another five years with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The extension has been expected, according to ESPN, as sources had told the site earlier this month that Griffin already informed team officials that he would be signing an extension with them.

CBS Sports notes that the deal will be under the “Derrick Rose Rule,” which means the Clippers forward will start at 30 percent of his cap for the 2013-2014 season, as long as he reaches certain benchmarks. They further explain:

“Under the new collective bargaining agreement, a player with less than seven years of service can receive a max contract starting at 30 percent of the salary cap if he’s voted MVP of the league, All-NBA first, second or third team twice or an All-Star starter twice.”

According to ESPN, Blake Griffin could earn up to $95 million in the next five years, as long as he is voted an All-Star starter again, or if he is named to a second All-NBA team next season. Another clause in the new CBA allows rookies to extend their contracts by four years, however a team is allowed to designate one player who will sign a five-year extension.

ESPN notes that Griffin told them during Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas last weekend that:

“I feel good about them (the Clippers). Like I’ve said, everything’s been positive. Everything’s been moving forward. It’s been a good experience. I’m not a believer in breaking up something that’s working.”

Sources within the organization have said that Blake Griffin was always going to be the designated player for the Clippers, although Eric Gordon could have created a problem if he had not been traded to the New Orleans Hornets last December.